‘Let governments complete their terms,’ says Maryam

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for greater political and policy continuity in Pakistan, saying governments that perform well should be allowed to complete their constitutional terms.

Speaking to a delegation attending the National Command Authority Senior Officers Leadership Course, Maryam said frequent changes in government policies had remained a major obstacle to long-term development.

She stressed that national policies should continue regardless of political changes. According to her, consistent policies were necessary for improving governance and addressing security and economic challenges.

Maryam also spoke about Pakistan’s recent tensions with India. She said the country had presented a strong image internationally during the conflict and praised the armed forces and other security institutions for their role in defending the country.

The chief minister said effective governance was also important for dealing with internal security threats. She emphasised national unity and said people should identify themselves as Pakistanis regardless of their province or region.

She credited the longer periods of PML-N rule in Punjab with providing greater policy continuity. She said this had contributed to improvements in governance and security.

Maryam claimed that terrorism had been significantly controlled in Punjab but acknowledged that the threat had not completely disappeared. She said the provincial administration remained prepared to respond to possible attacks.

She said Punjab previously had around 70 areas considered no-go zones, but claimed that such areas no longer existed.

Maryam also highlighted steps taken to strengthen security infrastructure. These include fortified posts in border areas, improved weapons and surveillance equipment, night-vision cameras and round-the-clock monitoring.

She said the provincial government had separated administrative and law-and-order responsibilities to improve oversight. Special attention was also being given to crimes involving women and children.

The chief minister said around 1,000 police and revenue officials had been removed as part of an anti-corruption drive. She claimed that sustained action against officials involved in bribery had strengthened enforcement of the law.

She also highlighted the establishment of virtual police stations for women who face difficulties visiting traditional police stations. The system, she said, has helped address a large number of cases, particularly those involving domestic violence.

Maryam said she had no personal grievances against anyone and maintained that her decisions were focused on public interests. She also claimed that her administration followed merit in government appointments and rejected political recommendations.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari separately supported the call for policy continuity. She said governments could change, but national development and public-welfare policies should not be abandoned because of political transitions.

Bokhari said Pakistan’s development required collective efforts from all provinces, governments and political parties. She argued that frequently changing policies for political reasons could prevent the country from achieving sustained progress.